Stake.us Faces Possible Missouri Class Action

A draft class action lawsuit circulating in Missouri names Stake.us operator Sweepsteaks Ltd. as a defendant, alongside celebrity influencers Drake and Adin Ross. 

Filed by Independence resident Justin Killham, the complaint accuses Stake.us of enabling illegal gambling via sweepstakes casino games in violation of Missouri law.

What the Lawsuit Seeks

If filed and accepted, this case would mark the first courtroom test of Missouri’s gaming laws applied to sweepstakes contests, potentially setting legal precedent nationwide.

• Injunctive relief to block Stake.us operations in Missouri
• Damages for users who lost money
• Class certification for all Missouri users who lost funds over the past 5 years

Legal Challenges Ahead

Stake.us may attempt to:

• Enforce arbitration clauses in its terms of use
• Argue federal preemption, claiming sweepstakes are governed by federal law

Past lawsuits against sweepstakes casinos have often ended in arbitration or dismissal—but this case is the first under Missouri-specific laws.

Influencer Accountability

Drake and Adin Ross have been high-profile promoters of Stake.

Their role in driving users to the platform could open them to liability, depending on how Missouri courts interpret endorsement laws in connection with gambling statutes.

The Bigger Picture

Sweepsteaks has argued that its Sweeps Coins are “free gifts” and comply with sweepstakes law. Critics argue the line between sweepstakes and real-money gambling is increasingly thin, especially when coins are redeemable for cash.

If the Killham case proceeds, it may influence similar actions across the U.S. and define the limits of celebrity involvement in unlicensed gaming.

References

• Missouri Revised Statutes – Chapter 572: Gambling
• Public promotions by Stake, Drake, and Adin Ross